The Southeast region of the United States encompasses landscapes of spectacular white sand beaches, rolling mountains, and rich marshlands — not to mention vibrant cities with legendary cooking traditions. Here are the best Southeastern U.S. weekend getaways to plan right now to make the most of your travels around the Southeast.
As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Florida’s Panhandle beaches tend to hog the sugar-spun-sand spotlight. But travelers who venture just west along the Gulf Coast to Gulf Shores, Alabama, know the beaches here are just as superlative, featuring the same white sand and water in 50 shades of turquoise and emerald.
Spend a day soaking up the sun on the beautiful beaches or chartering a fishing boat for a chance to hook a redfish, mackerel or trout.
Or explore and go birding through scrub habitats and wetlands within the protected coastal barrier island setting of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge.
To further appreciate the natural beauty here, feast your eyes on the butterfly garden Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, which has been dubbed the “Little Zoo That Could” for all the hurricanes it’s weathered.
Jekyll Island, Georgia
Georgia’s coastline — all 110 miles of it — is small but mighty. And Jekyll Island is the crown jewel of these parts if you’re looking for relaxation, cycling paths, long stretches of beaches that are bike-able at low tide, and nature at every turn.
Rent a kayak to paddle through tidal creeks that are home to herons, ospreys, and even manatees, or head out on a tour with Jekyll Island Boat Tours to spot pods of resident bottlenose dolphins. Visit sea turtles rescued from cold snaps and fishing nets at the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the only such rehabilitation facility in the state.
And don’t miss a sunset stroll on gorgeous Driftwood Beach, covered with wood that’s washed in with the tides.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans captivates visitors with its only-here historic architecture, nightlife, beautiful urban parks (visit City Park for a gander at the largest grove of mature oak trees in the world!), and scenic riverfront along the mighty Mississippi River.
And let’s not forget legendary Creole and Cajun cuisine and live music absolutely everywhere.
Take in some jazz at famous spots like Preservation Hall on Peter Street, as well as in local haunts like Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and The Maison. If any city is a moveable feast for all kinds of worldly pleasures, it’s NOLA.
Amelia Island, Florida
In Florida’s northeasternmost reaches, not far from the Georgia border, Amelia Island makes for a fine weekend getaway loaded with nature, beaches — and a good dose of history and flopping-fresh seafood, too.
Rent a bike for a few hours and head out to pedal miles of forested pathways along the Amelia Island Trail. Explore Cumberland Sound and scout for dolphins on a sailing cruise with Windward Sailing.
Dating to the 19th century, the Civil War site, Fort Clinch State Park, is home to a historic fort and maritime forests to hike through in the shadows of enormous oak trees.
Shrimping boats line the waters offshore, so wherever you see Florida shrimp on the menu — Timoti’s Seafood Shak in Fernandina Beach is a favorite spot — be sure to dig in.
Asheville, North Carolina
Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, home to a riverfront arts district featuring more than 500 artists’ studios, and lauded for an exciting culinary scene, Asheville knows how to charm visitors on a Southeastern U.S. weekend getaway.
Will you dine on authentic tapas and sip Spanish wine inside a converted 1920s bus station at Cúrat Bar de Tapas, or is a hearty Southern brunch of biscuits and gravy at Sunny Point Café more your style? Asheville caters to all kinds of outdoor aficionados, too, with challenging hikes at Chimney Rock State Park or mountain biking at Mount Pisgah.
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